The Final Vow

Chapter 11

I hadn't been waiting long when everyone finally returned. Luca was carrying Leah, who was soaking wet and crying uncontrollably. 

"Why would you take her there without us?" Gia was scolding Nalani who was also crying. "I'm sorry! We were just playing, I just wanted to show her." Nalani defended herself. 

"Nalani, you know better. You know those stones are way too slippery, what if she would have fallen into the water? She could have drowned." Niko joined Gia in disciplining Nalani. "I'm sorry!" Nalani screamed while running to her room. Gia quickly followed after her. 

"What happened?" I rushed over to Leah, who was holding her arm. She gave me a small glance, before turning away and burying her face in Luca's chest. "I think she's broken her arm. The girls were playing by a stream nearby when she slipped. We will have to get her arm looked at." 

"Leah, I'm sorry, it's going to be okay." I kissed the back of her head since she refused to look at me. I didn't think she was angry at but, just tired, and in pain. 

"Lana, I'm sorry. Nalani was told to never go there without an adult, I have no idea what she was thinking." Niko ran a hand through his hair out of frustration. 

"No, Niko, it's okay they were just excited and having fun." Leah wouldn't have wandered off, she had to have been distracted, accidents happen. And with her getting older, she's becoming more independent. 

"I'll go ahead and get her arm checked out. Don't worry about it, I'll let you know what they say." Luca seemed proud of himself. Maybe, he needed this moment. For me to step aside and let him take care of Leah. Maybe I have been a little controlling over Leah, and too protective. It made me feel better about my decision to stay and let Luca go after Leah. 

"Thank you, Luca." I gave him an appreciative smile, which seemed to boost his confidence even more. He smiled brightly and winked at me in response. I turned back to Tyler and Enzo who were still hanging around. "Thank you for your help." I gave them both an appreciative smile. 

"Go check on Nalani, I got these two." Kate waved her hand vaguely while focusing on the twins. Without another word, I hurried to find my way to Nalani's room. When I got close enough I could hear Niko and Gia still disciplining Nalani. 

"I just don't understand what you were thinking." Niko sighed.

"You put Leah in a lot of danger Nalani. There are people looking for her family, and we don't know where they are or if they're watching us. You and Leah could've been kidnapped, thank goodness you weren't." Gia rambled on. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. They were really open about the mafia with Nalani. I wondered how much Nalani knew, and how long she's known. 

"I just wanted to show her something cool. She's never been to the mountains before. I just wanted to show her, that's all." Nalani's voice was quiet and soft. I knew she was crying. 

"I understand sweetheart, but you have to think, and be more careful. Next time you need to tell someone, so we can make sure you're protected." 

"I'm sorry Daddy." I could hear Nalani's little sniffles from the hall. I gently knocked on the door announcing myself. Nalani glanced at me and then, looked away. 

"Milana, I'm so sorry, how is she?" Gia hurried to apologize. 

"It's okay, Luca is taking her to get her arm looked at. I was hoping to talk to Nalani." Nalani's eyes shot up at me, they were filled with worry.

"Me?" Her brows quickly raised, while her eyes flickered from Niko and then back to me. 

"Yes, I wanted to make sure you were okay. I know seeing Leah hurt must've been pretty scary, but Leah's a tough girl, and she's going to be just fine." I walked towards Nalani and gave her a tight hug. 

"I'm sorry Aunt Lana, I just wanted to show her the water, I didn't mean for her to slip." I was stumped, she just called me Aunt. 

"Did you just call me Aunt?" Nalani looked at Niko, who was trying to hide a grin. 

"Mom and Dad said I could call you Aunt." Nalani looked worried as if she might be in trouble. 

"Yes, you can! I love it!" I laughed while pulling her into another hug.